9.11.2001 by Claire Gardner
Blue Star Museum Program
May 16 – September 7, 2026
The National Quilt Museum is proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of War, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer.
The program begins on Armed Forces Day May 16, 2026, and ends on Labor Day September 7, 2026.
The National Quilt Museum is open seven days a week, offers free parking and is located in historic downtown Paducah, Kentucky. Click here for daily hours.
Who is eligible for free museum admission through Blue Star Museums?
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard–including Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for admission.
If you are a retiree or veteran, The National Quilt Museum offers discounted admission. You may purchase tickets at this link or onsite.
How many military personnel and/or family members may visit free at one time?
The military ID holder and up to five family members. The military ID holder can be either active-duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card. The active-duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active-duty military family members.
How is a family member defined?
A family member of active-duty military may include a spouse or child, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. Children under the age of 12 with an adult are admitted FREE at all times to The National Quilt Museum.
What if my spouse is deployed? Can my family and I still participate?
Yes, spouses of deployed military are eligible for Blue Star Museums. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active-duty military family members.
What if my spouse is not deployed, but cannot come to the museum with the family. Can my family and I still participate?
Yes, your family can still participate, as the active-duty member does not have to be present to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active-duty military family members.
What if my child is under the age of 10 and doesn’t yet have a military ID?
Children 12 and under with an adult are admitted free to The National Quilt Museum at all times.
Does the Blue Star Museums program include admission for veterans and retirees? For parents with a child currently serving on active duty, or for those who have lost a child on active duty?
Admission for these individuals is not included in the scope of this program. Blue Star Museums is an effort to improve the quality of life for active-duty military families, especially focusing on the approximately two million children who have had at least one parent deployed since 2001.
Blue Star Museums was created to show support for military families who have faced multiple deployments and the challenges of reintegration. This program offers these families a chance to visit museums this summer when many will have limited resources and limited time to be together.
If you are a retiree or veteran, The National Quilt Museum offers discounted admission. You may purchase tickets at this link or onsite.
